6 Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
You have been let go by your employer, and you are wondering whether you have the grounds to file for a wrongful termination lawsuit. The good news is that a wrongful termination lawyer will be able to provide you will legal expertise and help you determine whether your previous employer has violated state and federal laws.
Top 6 Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
1. Legal Experience
The first and foremost reason you should hire a wrongful termination attorney is that they have the experience and knowledge about state and federal laws. In addition to this, these lawyers have worked on cases that are similar to yours, and they have specialized in employment law. A wrongful termination attorney also has the benefit of an extensive network of experts in various fields that can help build the strength of your case.
Employment Laws
Employment laws and terms can be challenging to navigate and confusing to understand. However, an experienced attorney can sift through the complicated language and explain it to you in simple terms. They will also be able to determine whether or not you have a case and how to pursue it for your benefit.
2. Obtain Evidence
During a wrongful termination investigation, your attorney will review an extensive amount of documents. These documents will be sorted into what is helpful and pertinent to your case. In addition to these documents, your attorney can help you to gather witnesses and even subpoena them to answer vital questions regarding your termination case.
File Motions
Your attorney can help you fight against an employer that has made false allegations of misconduct against you. One way that your lawyer can fight against these allegations is to file motions against your employer to stop these allegations and save your reputation.
3. File With The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
When you hire a wrongful termination attorney, they will be able to file a breach of contract or a wrongful discharge lawsuit. If it is warranted, your attorney can bring a charge of discrimination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other appropriate state agencies. This is excellent because the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is responsible for enforcing various federal laws, including:
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Employment attorneys will help you decide if you should be filing with other agencies, such as the National Labor Relations Board or OSHA as well. You can file a charge or complaint to the EEOC and these other agencies without an attorney. However, having an attorney will help you feel more secure in the legal procedures. Your previous employer will have a legal representative, and so should you.
4. File Summary Judgments
A wrongful termination attorney can help you find out more about your case and file motions for summary judgment. Summary judgment ensures that a judge will determine if you have a valid claim and establish liability on your previous employer in accordance with the law. This removes most legal disputes from the table and ensures that all parties are focused on resolving the dispute.
Time
An attorney can help ensure that your case is resolved quickly. This will lessen the damages and heartache that a wrongful termination can cause. Summary judgments ensure your time is not wasted arguing with a bullheaded employer. Also, settlements can shorten your lawsuit and lower legal fees and stress levels. Finally, your attorney will be able to advise you on the best course of legal action and get you the compensation you deserve.
5. Assess Financial Loss
Your wrongful termination attorney will help you to evaluate your financial loss and damages that have occurred. These losses will include your pay, emotional distress, punitive damages where applicable, and benefits. Additionally, you may be able to collect attorney fees when the case has been won.
Legal Fees
EEOC violations and breaches of your state’s contract termination laws are a subtype of personal injury. This means that your attorney may accept them on a contingency basis. This means that if your attorney agrees to a contingency-based arrangement, you will not pay legal fees until and if you recover damages from your previous employer.
6. Your Employer Has One
Don’t try fighting a wrongful termination lawsuit on your own. Your employer will have an attorney on retainer, and you need to ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney in your corner commands attention. They can send well-thought-out, non-biased communication to your employer and to the necessary agencies. An attorney ensures that your claims have a better chance of being taken seriously by an employer, leading to quicker answers and resolution.
Even if you live in a work-at-will state, employees cannot be fired for any discriminatory reason. These reasons include retaliation from your employer for reporting harassment and other wrongful behavior, for exercising your legal rights, and more. Don’t let a wrongful termination run you into the ground. Know your rights and consult a wrongful termination attorney to ensure that your employee rights are protected.